San Diego Business Journal: Athena’s AI Academy Looks Through a “Workforce Lens”
- 23 hours ago
- 1 min read
Athena is featured in the San Diego Business Journal for the launch of its new AI Academy, developed in partnership with the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (SDCCOE).
The article highlights Athena’s approach to AI adoption through a clear workforce lens—prioritizing leadership readiness, talent development, and responsible implementation. CEO Holly Smithson underscores that conversations about AI must include cybersecurity and workforce strategy, positioning the Academy as a natural extension of Athena’s 26-year legacy in leadership development.
“If we’re not looking at this through the lens of the workforce, I think we’re going to miss a lot of opportunities to keep us as a major STEM hub, as a place where people get top talent,” Athena CEO Holly Smithson said. “That’s why all these companies come here — to get proximity to the workforce. We’re highly educated. We’re highly trained, and that’s what informs companies when they’re looking to establish new markets and new satellites.”
Delivered in collaboration with UK-based AI training firm Full Fathom Five, the Academy integrates ethical AI practices and real-world application. Each cohort completes a capstone project designed to deliver actionable AI strategy and measurable ROI back to their organizations.
In the article, both Smithson and CCOE CEO Lisa Easterly emphasize that talent remains the top challenge across tech sectors. As AI becomes embedded across industries, building a prepared, diverse, and cybersecurity-aware workforce is essential to maintaining San Diego’s position as a leading STEM hub.
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